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Checklist: What to do when you arrive at Laurier for International Orientation

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The day you first arrive at Laurier is going to be busy but it's also going to be exciting and a lot of fun! We encourage you to arrive on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the first day of International Orientation, and Laurier International staff and student volunteers will be available to help guide you and make sure you have the best possible start to your time at Laurier.

Your First Day Checklist

Here are some of the things you should do when you arrive at Laurier on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019:

  • Pick up your residence keys and check out your new home!
    • In Waterloo, you will pick up your keys at the Residence office at 200 King St. N.
    • In Brantford, you will pick up your keys at Research and Academic Centre West (RCW).
    • Staff and student volunteers will be available all day to help direct you to your residence and to help you with your belongings.
    • Not living in residence? No problem! Skip this step and join us for International Orientation.
  • Check in for International Orientation (IO).
    • In Waterloo, go to Lazaridis Hall between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
    • In Brantford, go to the Research and Academic Centre West (RCW) between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
    • When you check in for IO you will receive your nametag and IO schedule, as well as some Laurier swag!
  • Take a tour of campus.
    • Check out the buildings where your classes will be held.
    • Discover the various dining options.
    • Check out the athletic facilities.
    • If you aren't able to take a tour of campus when you arrive, you can explore on  your own or arrange for a guided tour through the Welcome Centre.
  • Get your OneCard (if you didn't submit your photo online before you arrived).
    • In Waterloo, the OneCard office is located in the Concourse.
    • In Brantford, the OneCard office is located at Service Laurier in Grand River Hall.
    • We encourage you to submit your photo online before you arrive so your OneCard will be ready for you when you get here!
  • Get to know the local transit system. Your OneCard is your bus pass!
  • Open a bank account.
    • There are several banks near both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. If you aren't sure where to go, you can ask a staff member or student volunteer.
  • Set up your cell phone or get a phone card (if necessary).
  • Take a deep breath, smile and relax!
    • You made it and your upcoming year at Laurier is going to be great!

Late Arrivals

If you will be arriving at Laurier any time after 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 (including over the weekend), you can still get settled on campus. 

In Waterloo

For arrivals on Friday, Aug. 30 after 4 p.m.:

  • You are still able to move into residence. Pick up your keys from the Special Constables office at 232 King St. N.
  • Sign in for International Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Lazaridis Hall and join us for the day's activities.

For arrivals after Friday, Aug. 30:

  • If you arrive on Saturday, Aug. 31 at any time, you can pick up your keys from the Special Constables office at 232 King St. N and they will help you find your residence.
  • Sign in for International Orientation at Lazaridis Hall on Saturday, Aug. 31 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or on Sunday, Sept. 1 between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
  • If you arrive on Sunday, Sept. 1 or Monday, Sept. 2, you will move into residence according to the Department of Residence move-in schedule.

In Brantford

For arrivals on Friday, Aug. 30 after 3:30 p.m.:

  • You are still able to move into residence. Pick you your keys from Special Constables (located at 45 Market St.) and they will help you find your residence.
  • Sign in for International Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Carnegie Building, room CB 206, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and join in the day's activities.

For arrivals after Friday, Aug. 30:

  • If you arrive on Saturday, Aug. 31 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or on Sunday, Sept. 1 between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., you can pick up your residence keys at Carnegie Building, room CB 206. You can also sign in for International Orientation during these times in Carnegie Building.
  • If you arrive outside of these times, you can pick up your keys at Special Constables (located at 45 Market St.) and they will help you get settled.
  • If you arrive on Monday, Sept. 2, you will move into residence according to the Department of Residence move-in schedule.

Temporary Accommodations

If you arrive in either Waterloo or Brantford before Friday, Aug. 30 or before your off-campus housing is ready, you will need to find temporary accommodations.